Washington, Minsk reach prisoner-for-sanctions deal

Belarus has agreed to release 25 prisoners as part of a deal with the United States under which Washington will lift sanctions on two Belarusian companies, US Special Envoy to Belarus John Coale said.

Coale made the announcement following talks with Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko in Minsk, Caliber.Az reports, citing Belarusian media.

“As a gesture of goodwill, Belarus will release 25 people. The United States, in turn, will lift sanctions on two Belarusian companies: Lakokraska and Bellesbumprom,” Coale said.

The agreement comes as Washington and Minsk discuss measures aimed at easing tensions and addressing the issue of prisoners in Belarus.